Most of us have the tendency to hold onto things we just don't need, but very few of us take it to the level of pathological hoarding. According to statistics, 1 in 20 people in the U.S. are classified as compulsive hoarders and unfortunately, we are not getting the straight scoop from reality TV.
Compulsive Hoarding and Reality TV
Compulsive hoarding is a relatively new diagnosis but one that is serious enough to be emotionally destructive and require extensive treatment. For many of us our only exposure to hoarding comes via reality television, but many experts are saying reality shows have gotten it all wrong. According to hoarding expert and research scientist Randy Frost, PhD, "Television shows like Hoarders have raised awareness, but their tactics may be misguiding."
Into the Mind of a Hoarder
Many hoarders begin innocently enough and believe they are collecting and keeping inanimate objects for viable reasons. Future craft projects, clothes and toys their children will grow into and possessions with sentimental value are common starter items in a hoarder’s collection. In the interim, the hoarder begins to develop emotional and unhealthy attachments to these possessions and the predilection becomes so powerful they foster and ascertain an inability to discard them.
Experts Talk About Hoarding
Gail Steketee, PhD, a professor of social work and co-author of the book Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things, says reality TV misses the mark on so many important components regarding compulsive hoarding that this type of media attention may be doing more harm than good. Recognizing early signs is an extremely important factor when diagnosing this disorder, but reality shows only exemplify excessive cases. Such blatant misrepresentation may be causing friends and family members undo harm. In such cases, they are losing the opportunity to acquire treatment before the compulsion reaches the extreme stages depicted by television.
How Reality TV is Harming Hoarders
Another way in which reality TV may be causing harm to hoarders lies in the depiction of the solution. Experts agree quick fixes do not work for compulsive disorders and dysfunctional personality traits. Forced over-night cleanups are traumatic and do not offer the habit breaking advantages incorporated into a regimented and professionally supervised treatment. Bringing in crews to carry away the trash, followed by abandonment, only initiates a momentary reprieve in the mind of the hoarder and Dr. Frost believes such tactics do not work. Nine out of ten times, the home of the hoarder will be just as bad, if not worse, in weeks or months.
Sources:
Jabr, Ferris, "Mind Reviews: Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things", Scientific American, 11 Mar 2011, Accessed 3 Nov 2011
Konkel, Lindsey, "Hoarding", Remedy, Winter 2010, Pg. 58
Valerie Modreski - Ms. Modreski has worked as a writer for over 30 years. Valerie began her career on the editorial staff of the Broward College academic ...
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